Do you know any Church of Christ people?

Answer 1

"Church of Christ" redirects here. For other uses, see Church of Christ (disambiguation).
The Church of Christ discussed in this article is not related to the International Churches of Christ; United Church of Christ; Church of Christ, Scientist/Christian Science; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any other denomination within the Latter-day Saint movement; or the Philippines-based Iglesia ni Cristo.
The Churches of Christ are non-denominational, autonomous Christian congregations. These churches comprise about 2,000,000 members in over 15,000 individual congregations worldwide. [1]

Churches of Christ generally emphasize their intent to simply be part of the original church established by Jesus Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection, which became evident on the Day of Pentecost as described in the New Testament in Acts 2. Churches of Christ emphasize the use of only the New Testament to find doctrine, ecclesiastical structure, and moral beliefs, while maintaining that the Old Testament is also the inspired Word of God, is historically accurate, and that its principles remain true and beneficial (although its laws are not binding under the new covenant in Christ unless otherwise commanded in the New Testament).

Churches of Christ in the United States are historically connected to the Restoration Movement championed by American preachers/theologians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, most notably Thomas Campbell and his son Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, and Barton W. Stone. These and other leaders from various denominations were seeking original Christianity as they were independently finding several beliefs, practices, and restrictive dogmas in their respective church traditions to no longer be acceptable or biblical to them.

Members of the Church of Christ point out that throughout church history many have sought a return to the simple original Christianity that is "pre-denominational" and unbound by the decisions of councils or denominational hierarchies. Rather than basing doctrine on the interpretations of post-first century church fathers, ecclesiastical councils, or more modern denominational synods or conventions, they use only the Bible as their source of doctrine. This also allows for the Bible to be open for continual examination and interpretation from congregation to congregation and from Christian to Christian. They do not believe it necessary to trace an unbroken humanly recorded lineage back to the church of the first century in order to be the timeless and continual church that was established by Christ. This is based on the ideology that the church is a spiritual body, therefore differing from secular or political notions of ecclesiastical lineage. Furthermore, that God demonstrates in the New Testament how a person may become a Christian, thus a part of the church, and how Christians may collectively organize and carry out the purposes of the church which Christ established. Also realized is that Christians can do this without any prior knowledge of other Churches of Christ as different groups practicing this form of Christianity have discovered one another without any prior connection (e.g., different segments of what became known as the Restoration Movement).

Today, Churches of Christ have the following distinctive traits: the refusal to hold to any creeds other than the Bible itself (i.e., sola scriptura); the practice of repentance and believer's baptism in Christ's name as the response to receive remission of sins and the Holy Spirit (e.g., Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16); autonomous, non-denominational congregational church organization, with congregations overseen by a plurality of male elders; the weekly observance of communion/eucharist (i.e., the Lord's Supper); and the practice by most congregations of a cappella worship singing (although several related congregations use instruments while keeping these other practices - also known as Christian Churches).

Contents [hide]
1 Church Population in the U.S.
2 Self-identification
3 History in America
3.1 Restoration Movement
3.2 Connections to Christian Churches and the Disciples of Christ
3.2.1 Variations within Churches of Christ
3.2.2 International Churches of Christ
3.2.3 Church of Christ Emergent
4 Church organization
4.1 Congregational autonomy
4.2 Congregational Leadership
5 Hermeneutics
5.1 Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)
6 Other Theological Tendencies
6.1 Basis of a cappella worship practice
6.1.1 Notable affiliated composers, publishers, and performers
6.2 Elsewhere
7 Notable Members of the church of Christ
8 See also
9 External links
9.1 General websites
9.2 Online print media
9.3 Online TV/Radio stations
9.4 Directories
9.5 History and sources
9.6 Church of Christ search engines
9.7 Miscellaneous



[edit] Church Population in the U.S.
The approximate number of a cappella Churches of Christ in the United States is 13,000, including about 1.3 million individual members.


[edit] Self-identification
Members do not consider themselves either Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant. They hold to the biblical and historical reality that the church was founded by Jesus Christ, and that its doctrines and practices were established long before these other traditions, movements, structures, councils, etc. The church therefore biblically, historically and spiritually transcends these other entities that developed later within Christendom. Members also do not typically consider themselves to be members of a denomination, but prefer to simply be called "Christians" (in contrast to, for example, a Catholic Christian, a Presbyterian Christian, a Baptist Christian, etc.). A popular modern phrase that demonstrates this paradigm in Churches of Christ is "we are not the only Christians but we are Christians only."


[edit] History in America

[edit] Restoration Movement
The American Restoration Movement of the 18th and 19th centuries was an emergence of seekers who perpetuated ideals that have existed throughtout church history regarding inspired truth over ecclesiastic tradition or dogma. This movement was in some ways similar to the Reformation and was sometimes referred to as "the new Reformation." The Restoration Movement promoted a return to the purposes of the first century churches as described in the New Testament and is considered by some historians to be part of the Second Great Awakening. One major impetus of the movement was the Kentucky Cane Ridge Revival in 1801, which resulted in many from various traditions no longer holding to their denominational ties and referring to themselves simply as "Christians" or "Disciples." Several Churches of Christ were established as a result of this revival, with some denominational congregations even dropping their traditional titles in favor of "Church of Christ," "Disciples of Christ," or "Christian Church." While ever emphasizing that the Bible is the only source to seek doctrine, an acceptance of diverse opinions was the norm in the quest for truth. "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity" was an oft-quoted slogan of the period.[1]

The movement was actually the result of several smaller groups converging because of the same truths and ideals each were independenly seeking. It solidified as a historical phenomenon in 1832 when restorationists from two major movements championed by Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell merged (historians thus often refer to it as the "Stone-Campbell Movement"). Following Stone's death in 1844, Alexander Campbell served as the most influential surviving voice.

see the Restoration Movement article for further historical information.


[edit] Connections to Christian Churches and the Disciples of Christ
Modern Churches of Christ and Christian Churches are very similar (the primary difference being a cappella worship in Churches of Christ) and, depending on the tenor of each local congregation, maintain communication and fellowship. In contrast, what is today known as Disciples of Christ is very different, has developed into a denominational entity, and no longer embraces Restoration Movement ideology (although its evolution has obvious historical roots in the Restoration Movement). During the first century of the Restoration Movement, all three of these titles were commonly used for congregations. As interpretations, convictions, and preferences regarding a cappella and instrumental music distinguished congregations, the a cappella churches typically used "Church of Christ" to identify themselves while instrumental churches used "Disciples of Christ" or "Christian Church" as designations. In 1906, the U.S. Census for the first time made a distinction of two groups between the a cappella and instrumental churches (this was also the result of other issues related to the Civil War. See Restoration Movement for further historical information). The development of the Disciples of Christ denomination was the later result of many within the instrumental Christian Church embracing liberal protestant ideologies that many others would not accept. Thus, those who refused to accept such separated and typically refer to themselves as Christian Churches, leaving the Disciples of Christ designation to the others who eventually organized into that named denomination which exists today.


[edit] Variations within Churches of Christ
Since Churches of Christ are not denominational and purposefully do not maintain an ecclesiastical hierarchy or doctrinal council (as the Bible alone is held as the only source to find doctrine), it is not unusual to find some variations from congregation to congregation. This often results in some churches being more expressive in worship while others prefer a more traditional or solemn approach. Some allow for a more open view of interpretation regarding worship and other church practices while some sincerely hold to stricter beliefs and dogmas (this is reminiscent of Paul's teaching in Romans 14). How much fellowship and cooperation that will exist between those of varying opinions depends on each member and local church. Congregations and members are free to study the Scriptures and to the best of their abilities determine God's revealed will. However, practically all Churches of Christ have the similarities mentioned in the prior introduction.


[edit] International Churches of Christ
This body of churches is not tied to the Church of Christ, although it began as an offshoot which evolved into its own denominational structure and entity. For more information see International Churches of Christ.


[edit] Church of Christ Emergent
It appears that the response of some congregations to postmodern thought has produced another movement within the main group, though this is not a formally distinguished body. See the article on Church of Christ Emergent.


[edit] Church organization

[edit] Congregational autonomy
The Church of Christ has no formally recognized headquarters, councils, or hierarchal church government. Rather, the independent congregations are a network with each church participating at its own discretion in various means of service and fellowship with other churches (as well as with other Christian bodies/traditions).


[edit] Congregational Leadership
Church government is congregational, rather than denominational. Elders (i.e., bishops), are seen as the spiritual leaders of the congregation. Assisting in the administration of specific practical functions of the church are Deacons. While Churches of Christ promote the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers, congregations generally have well trained and educated professional clergy. Generally, the clergy are referred to as "ministers" with the term "pastor" considered more appropriate for the elders. Elders are chosen from the men of the congregation and ordained based on the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.


[edit] Hermeneutics
Hermeneutical approaches to Scripture will vary from congregation to congregation. As Churches of Christ wish to find doctrine only in the Bible and are not controlled by a denominational hierarchy, there is great liberty in interpreting what is biblically permissable. Some believe God only binds people to the explicit commands of New Testament scripture, meaning that anything not forbidden is allowable and anything commanded must be obeyed. Others have a more stringent view of Scripture, believing that only what is expressly commanded, given as an approved example, or indicated as obvious by inference is allowable. There is much variety that exists from congregation to congregation between these two ideologies. This approach, which is related to the non-denominational/autonomous nature of the church, allows open interpretation for the uninhibited search and discovery of the original meanings of biblical texts. Yet, Churches of Christ tend to be uncannily similar in their biblical interpretations regarding salvation, morality, and the seriousness of worshiping God. The liturgy or form of worship is also strikingly similar in congregations, although the style might vary in different locales.


[edit] Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)
Churches of Christ teach the biblical doctrine which is common in most evangelical churches - that mankind is lost in sin but can be redeemed because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice. The difference between Churches of Christ and most Protestant evangelical churches is how one receives this salvation. Churches of Christ adhere to scriptures such as Mark 16:16, John 3:3-5, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, and others, which indicate that the original teaching of Christ and His inspired writers was that salvation occurs when one submits to Christ in baptism. In contrast, most evangelicals today teach that simple belief without this response, or quoting a sinner's prayer to receive Christ will suffice. Churches of Christ almost unanimously reject these notions based on the New Testament purposes of baptism. Furthermore, baptism is only for those capable of believing in Christ and repenting of sin (i.e., no infant baptism as infants are considered to be innocent) as these are the only instances of baptism in the Bible. Baptism is also only by immersion as this was the only mode demonstrated in the Bible (i.e., the Greek term "baptizo" always meant to immerse). Some would also point to the historical reality that until the 16th century the concept of salvation without baptism was unheard of and that this counter teaching was only promoted after being developed by Swiss reformer Huldrych Zwingli, and further perpetuated by John Calvin.


[edit] Other Theological Tendencies
Some would label Churches of Christ as typically Arminian, although members do not usually embrace this term. The Catholic concept of Original Sin and the Calvinistic ideas of Total Depravity, Predestination, etc. are generally rejected as doctrines that are not found in Scripture but were later innovations. Election and predestination are functions of the exercise of free will. Those who choose God's way through Christ are elect and therefore saved while those who reject Christ are lost in their sin. Furthermore, the popular notion of "once saved, always saved" is rejected. It is generally held that a Christian can consciously elect to cease following Christ and hence be lost ("fallen from grace"), although this is not the norm. Regarding eschatology, Churches of Christ are generally amillennial, although a few congregations hold premillennial interpretations.


[edit] Basis of a cappella worship practice
There is no evidence to indicate that the first century church used instruments in worship. Therefore, most Churches of Christ today refrain from doing so. Since every command and example of worship singing in the New Testament mentions no instruments, Churches of Christ have historically followed this tradition. It is also pointed out that in all of church history, instrumental music in worship was not practiced until the sixth century, hence the Italian word a cappella (as the chapel). The level of conviction regarding a cappella only worship varies from church to church. To some this is a preference, a good interpretation, and an embraced tradition that is not binding on others because there is no command in Scripture not to play instruments in worship. To others it is a conviction or dogma that is not to be strayed from because to do so would equate with adding to God's command for Christians to worship him by singing.


[edit] Notable affiliated composers, publishers, and performers
Acappella
Stephen Mark Brown
Albert E. Brumley
Howard Publishing
Covenant Publishing
Tillit Sidney Teddlie
M. Lynwood Smith
The ZOE Group

[edit] Elsewhere
The Churches of Christ in Australia are the Australian Stone-Campbell group, and are named after the movement's name at the time of its founding. Of the three current US groups, they are closest in belief and practice to the Disciples of Christ. A similar New Zealand group is the Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand.

Most of the Churches of Christ in the UK became part of the United Reformed Church in 1981. Most of the remaining became the Fellowship of Churches of Christ.

The Australian and New Zealand groups planted churches throughout the Pacific Islands, the United Kingdom group planted churches throughout the British Empire, and the American groups planted churches throughout the Americas and the rest of the world. These groups often used the name "Church of Christ" and were affiliated with the other churches of that name. While a few such churches still exist, many have merged with other groups.

Answer 2

A Church of Christ is anyone that is on the Foundation of Christ. Confessing Jesus Christ Lord, the Son of the Living God...

Answer 3

I am a member of the Church of Christ

Ditto for me what Bama_jld said.

Romans 16:16

Answer 4

I was baptized in the Church of Christ....they are a tight nit punch that think they are the only ones going to heaven, Like puritans they have no Christmas, or musical instrument in church. They try to stick to the literal word of the bible, which is absurd, so it is logically impossible

Answer 5

Obama is a member of the "United Church of Christ". This team isn't the comparable using fact the Church of Christ!!!! they are notably different in doctrine, worship, and enterprise.

Answer 6

Yes, I am one and so is my friend and we worship at the Church of Christ here in WV.

Answer 7

I'm an ex-Church of Christ person. You probably don't want to talk to me.

btw I'm also a woman.

Answer 8

I am a member of the Church of Christ.

If you have questions about the church, I will be happy to address them. I promise to give Bible answers to your Bible questions.